The Also-Rans
Mark A. Lempke explores what losing presidential candidates can tell us about United States history. There's a lot more than elections here; we'll explore U.S. culture, religion, politics, and society along the way. Intended for politics nerds, history buffs, and all those who have suffered some kind of humiliating defeat.
The Also-Rans
Episode 5: The Divorcee Who Struck It Rich
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Mark A. Lempke/David Pietrusza
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Season 1
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Episode 5
We discuss James M. Cox who lost the 1920 election to Warren Harding, a man who is, by historians' acclamation, one of our worst presidents. Our guest expert is David Pietrusza, author of 1920: The Year of Six Presidents. We'll explore James Cox's dubious significance as the first divorced presidential contender, FDR's debut as the running mate, and our experiences growing up in upstate New York's Mohawk Valley.